Servicing the Seasoned Client

by Kelli Lene Tuesday, May 29, 2012 This is a marketing term that refers to people who are 55 or older.    As you might have heard we are an aging population and the baby boomers are fully into this stage of life. So naturally it is important to evaluate how your practice is servicing them.   I recently came across a list on the five most common challenges that people over 55 start experiencing and I thought it was a good jumping off point to share with you some of my adaptations.  

Vision problems:   First, I have chosen to use larger font for all my marketing and bookkeeping materials.  In addition, I have a variety of inexpensive reading glasses casually lying around the room like ink pens.    And as a safety precaution, I turn on all the overhead lights before I leave a client alone in the treatment room.

Muscle and Joint pain:  My clients are active people, so if an activity (new or familiar) is starting to cause more wear then benefit; I want to support my client in determining their best course of intervention. For one thing, I educate my clients on the upgraded massage mediums (such as Polar Lotion) that I am using on them and the benefits of incorporating these products into their daily lives.   I also work very closely with a network of trainers and wellness providers that allow us to be integrated in our approaches to the client’s fitness goals. This is why it is important that I keep specific records on aches and pains in order to help track any patterns that appear.

Wound healing /diabetes etc.:  Speaking of record keeping, in addition to tracking the subjective information, I am also becoming more aware of tracking the objective (such as changes in landmarks, wounds, moles, nails etc.)  All of these are important to observe at any age but become much more important for clients who are facing the additional challenges of living alone or who can’t check for themselves as well.

Mobility Issues:  Fix a problem before it becomes a problem.  I have eliminated all rugs in my reception and treatment areas in favor of wall to wall carpet.  I have also reduced the amount of furniture in order to have wide and clear walkways.  In addition, I have a sturdy chair that can easily be placed near the table for clients so they do not have far to travel.   Most importantly, I purchased an electric table that I can lower to aide clients in getting on and off.  Clients have really been impressed with this addition.

Depression:  I look for opportunities to educate, reward and praise my clients for the time they spend on their fitness and wellness as a direct investment in their quality of life (including the time they spend with me).  Never underestimate the value of emphasizing that individuals at any stage still have considerable control over their lives.  Instead of dwelling on what they have lost in strength, flexibility, balance etc., we focus on what they are regaining and maintaining.  With each achievement I remind them that they are adding to the ultimate goal of longevity.

I have always striven to work with my head, heart and hands, but now I am adding my ears to this list.  Obviously listening is extremely important to clueing in on changes in health and fitness challenges.  Perhaps more importantly, being listened to is an essential aspect to the quality of the individual’s experience.  So as you are evaluating your skills and services, don’t forget to include it.

Work Hard, do good work and write often

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